Aaron OrtizServing

Aaron Ortiz

State HouseDemocrat

IL-HD-01 State House

Age 34·Mexican-American·Assistant Majority Leader, Illinois House (current)

Why This Race Matters

Aaron Ortiz is running against Guadalupe Rivera (D, challenger).

Ortiz faces his first serious primary challenge since defeating incumbent Dan Burke in 2018. Guadalupe Rivera, a public school teacher with 20 years of experience, is running on affordability, immigrant rights, and utility accountability. The district is heavily Democratic (D+36), so the March 17, 2026 primary is effectively the general election.

Ortiz has been a vocal defender of immigrant communities, recently backing legislation to prevent ICE operations near courthouses, hospitals, and schools. As Assistant Majority Leader and former Latino Caucus Chair, he has strong institutional support. Rivera is campaigning on housing costs and accusing the incumbent of not doing enough on affordability.

Key dates to watch: Primary on March 17, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Aaron Manuel Ortiz is a Democratic State Representative for Illinois' 1st District, serving since January 2019. A lifelong Gage Park resident, he is the son of immigrants from Nuevo Ideal, Durango, Mexico. At 27, he became the youngest State Representative in Illinois after defeating longtime incumbent Dan Burke in the 2018 primary. He was the first in his family to attend college.

Family & Heritage

Son of immigrants from Nuevo Ideal, Durango, Mexico. First in family to attend college. Lifelong Gage Park resident. Parishioner at St. Clare of Montefalco Church.

Political Career

Before Politics

Teacher and college counselor at Back of the Yards High School (Chicago Public Schools); High school soccer coach (continues volunteering); Member of Local School Council for Back of the Yards College Prep

Education

B.A. in Urban Planning, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2013); Brother Rice High School; Nightingale Elementary

Key Issues & Priorities

*Education funding
*Labor rights and union protections
*Immigrant rights (backing legislation to prevent ICE operations near courthouses, hospitals, daycares, and colleges)
*Urban planning and community development
*Housing affordability